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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.