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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.