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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.