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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.