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The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not 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 tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.