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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.