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The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.

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

But, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.