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The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.