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The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.