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The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.