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The nation's decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.