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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.