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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.