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The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.