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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said one MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that states globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.