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Australia's bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said one MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"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," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.