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The nation's bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.

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

Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.