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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.