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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.