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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.