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The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

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

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.