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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.