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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, additional nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.