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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.