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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.