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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.