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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access 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 endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," said a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.