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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.