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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.