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The nation's decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.