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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.