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The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.