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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.