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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.