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The nation's decisive action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

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

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are also considering moves.

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

However, global organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.