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Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.