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Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.