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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.