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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

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

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from the West, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.