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The nation's bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.