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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.