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The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.