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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the legal 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 suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.