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Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.