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The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.