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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.