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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.