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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.