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The nation's decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.