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Australia's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated one MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.