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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.