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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.