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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

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

However, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this international debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.