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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.