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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this international conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.