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Australia's decisive action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.