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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.