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The nation's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for children," said a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.