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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.