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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.