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The nation's bold action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.