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Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.