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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.