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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.