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Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.