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Australia's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.