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The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.