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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

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

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.