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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

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

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.