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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.