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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.