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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.