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The Australian decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• 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".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.