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The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.