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The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.