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The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.