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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

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

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.