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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.