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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing 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 endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.