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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.