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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.