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Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.