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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.