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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.