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Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.