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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour 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 likewise enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.