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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.

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

Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.