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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents 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 calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," stated one MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.