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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.