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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.