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Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are also taking action.

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

Yet, global organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.