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The nation's decisive action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.