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The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

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

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.