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The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.