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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.