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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, other countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.