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The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.