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The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.