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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

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

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.