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The nation's bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.