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The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.