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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.