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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.