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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.