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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, further nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others show that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.