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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.