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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.