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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.