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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.