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The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" 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 adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.