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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.