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The Australian bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.