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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.