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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

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

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.