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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.