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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.