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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.