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The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.