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The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.