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The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.