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The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.