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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.