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The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.