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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

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

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.