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The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.