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The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.