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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.