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The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.