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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.