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The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.