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The nation's decisive action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.