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The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact 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 parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.