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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.