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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.