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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.