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Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.

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

But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.