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The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.