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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.