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Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.