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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.