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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.