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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.