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Australia's decisive action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.