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The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.