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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers show that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.