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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

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

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," stated one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

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

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.