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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.