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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

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

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.

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

But, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.