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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are also exploring options.

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

But, world agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.