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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.