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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.