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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.