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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.