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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.