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The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.

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

However, global agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.