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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.