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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 families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.