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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

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

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.