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The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted 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".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.