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The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.