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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.