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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.