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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

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

However, world bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.