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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

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

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.