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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.