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The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.