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The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

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

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are less and less content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.