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The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.