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The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.