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The Australian bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.