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The nation's decisive action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.