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Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.