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Australia's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.