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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing 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 suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.