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The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents 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 calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.