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The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the minimum 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 parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.