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The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.