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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

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

Yet, international bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.