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The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.