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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.