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Australia's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.