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Australia's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.