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The nation's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.

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

However, global bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.