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The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

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

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.