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Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.