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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.