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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.