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Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.