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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

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

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.