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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.