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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.