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The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.