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The nation's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others show that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.