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The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.