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Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.