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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.