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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.