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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.