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Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.