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The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are likewise taking action.

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

But, global bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.