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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.