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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.