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Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.