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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.