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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.