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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.