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The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.