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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.