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The nation's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.