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

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.