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The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.