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The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.