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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.