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The nation's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.