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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.