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The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.