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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.