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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.