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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.