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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.