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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.