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The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.