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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

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

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.