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The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented one MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.