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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.