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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that states internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.