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The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.