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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.