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The nation's decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.