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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.