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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.