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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.