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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.

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

But, international organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.