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The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.