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The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.