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The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve 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 government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.