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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

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

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.