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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.