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The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including 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.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

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

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.