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The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.