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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.