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The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.