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The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.