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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

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

But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.