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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.