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Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.