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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

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 decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

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

But, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this international conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.