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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.