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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.