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Australia's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.