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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.