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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

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

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.