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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, additional nations are also considering moves.

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

However, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.