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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.