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Australia's decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal 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 endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.