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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.