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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is largely happening at the state government level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.