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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.