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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.