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The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.