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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.