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The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.