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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing 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 legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

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

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional government level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.