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The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, other countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.