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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated one MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.

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

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.