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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.