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The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.