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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

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