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The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.