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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said one MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.