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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

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

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.