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Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.