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The nation's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.