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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is largely happening at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.