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Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.