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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.