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The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.