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The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set 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 ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.