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The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.