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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.