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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," stated one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.