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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• 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". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.