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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.