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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.