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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

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

However, world agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.