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The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

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

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.