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Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.