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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.