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Australia's bold move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of the West, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.