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The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.