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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.