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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.