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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.