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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

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

However, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.