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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

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

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

Yet, world organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.