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Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.