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The nation's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

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

But, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.