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The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from the West, other states are likewise considering moves.

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

Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.