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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.