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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are also considering moves.

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

But, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.