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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, further nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.