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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," stated one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.