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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

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

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.