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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.