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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.