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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.