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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.