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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament 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 legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.