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Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.