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The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.