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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.