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Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

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

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from these regions, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.