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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

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

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.