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The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.