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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.