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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.