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The nation's bold policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.