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The nation's decisive action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.