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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.