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Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.