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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.