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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.