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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.