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Australia's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.