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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.

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

However, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.