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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local government level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.