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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.