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The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.