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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children 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 minors without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.