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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.