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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.