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The nation's decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.