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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.