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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.