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The Australian bold move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.