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The Australian decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.