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The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.