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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated the MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.