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The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.