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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.