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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.