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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.