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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.