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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.