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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk 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 age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.