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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local government level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.