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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.