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The Australian bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.