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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.