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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.