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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.