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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.