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The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.