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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

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

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

However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.