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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.