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Australia's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

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

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.