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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.