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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.