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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.