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Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.