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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.