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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.