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The nation's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.