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The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.