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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

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

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.