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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.