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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.