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The Australian controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.