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The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

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

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.