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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.