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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.