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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve 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 legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.