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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.