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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local government level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.