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Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.