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The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.