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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.