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The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented one MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.