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Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.