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The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.