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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.