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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.