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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.