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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.