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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.