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The Australian decisive move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.