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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.