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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.