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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.