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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

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

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.