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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.