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Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.