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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.