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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.