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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.