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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, additional states are also taking action.

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

Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.