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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

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

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.