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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.

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

However, world bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.