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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.