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The nation's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.