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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen 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 one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, other countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.