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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.