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The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.