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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.