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The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.