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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.