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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.