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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.