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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that states globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.