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Australia's bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.