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The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.