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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise taking action.

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

However, world organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.