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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented one MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.