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The nation's decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.