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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.