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The nation's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

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

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.