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Australia's bold move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.