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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.