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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.