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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" 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 age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.