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Australia's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.