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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.