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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," stated the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, further states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.