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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.