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Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.