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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the access 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 similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

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

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

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

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.