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Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.