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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.