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Australia's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.