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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.