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The nation's bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.