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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.