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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".

Previously, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.