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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.