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The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining 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 related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.