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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.