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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.