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The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.