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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.