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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.