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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.