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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is largely happening at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.