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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional countries are also taking action.

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

But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.