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The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.