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The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.