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The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.