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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, further countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.