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Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.