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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.