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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.