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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.