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The nation's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.