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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.