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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.