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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing 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 related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.