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The Australian bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.