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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.