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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.