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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a bill 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 parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.