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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

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

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.