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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.