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Australia's bold move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.