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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.