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The nation's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.