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The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

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

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

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

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.