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Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.