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The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.