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The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.