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The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.