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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.