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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.