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The nation's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.