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The nation's decisive action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are also considering moves.

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

Yet, global agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.