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The Australian bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.