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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.