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The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.