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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.