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The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.