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The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, other countries are likewise exploring options.

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

But, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.