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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children 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 create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.