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The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.