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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.