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The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.