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The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.