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The nation's decisive move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.