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The Australian bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.