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The Australian bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

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

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.