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Australia's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.