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The Australian bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

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

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.