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The nation's decisive move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.