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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement 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 digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.