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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.