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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.