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The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.