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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.