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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.