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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.