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The nation's bold move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.