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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.