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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

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

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.