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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.