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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.