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The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.