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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.