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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.