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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.