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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.