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The nation's decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.