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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.