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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.