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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.