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The nation's decisive action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.